Savory Pasta with Pumpkin and Cream Cheese

Ingredients

• 350 grams (12 oz) penne or rigatoni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 400 grams (1 2/3 cups) pumpkin purée
• 120 grams (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) reserved pasta water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 30 grams (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage or parsley
• Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), optional